Times reporters blog about high school sports across the Southland

Baseball: Dodger Stadium is home for City Section final for 45th season in a row

April 10, 2013 | 8:47
am

The deposit has been sent. The City Section will hold its Division I championship baseball game for the 45th consecutive season at Dodger Stadium on June 1. The Division II game will be at 10 a.m. and the Division I game will be at 1 p.m.

Ever since 1969, when then Dodger owner Peter O'Malley gave his approval, the championship game has been held at Dodger Stadium. Birmingham defeated Monroe, 1-0, that season.

"The request came in," O'Malley said in a 2003 interview. "We said, 'Why not?' It makes good sense. I used to watch the game outside my [office] window, and it's been a great thing."

The Dodgers never charged for use of the facility under O'Malley, but the City Section is charged for expenses to pay for employees working the event. The cost will exceed $8,000, and that could affect a decision in the future when the City Section breaks away from the Los Angeles Unified School District on July 1.

Whatever it takes to keep the game at Dodger Stadium, the City Section must find a way

It is the greatest motivation and the greatest gift any high school player who plays for a City team could want. It is a dream that needs to be celebrated and kept alive for years to come.

The Southern Section will also hold its Division 1, 2 and 3 finals at Dodger Stadium on May 31. Divisions 4, 5, 6 and 7 will be at UC Riverside on June 1.